Paph. Flower Spike Sheath Turning Brown?

[OrchidMom424]

Hi Everyone!

My paphiopedilum Magic Cherry (my first paphiopedilum!) recently dropped her flower, which is not upsetting because she bloomed for quite a while! The flower spike is drying and I will cut soon. However, today I noticed that the sheath (?) out of which the flower spike grew is turning brown and looks like it's going to drop off. Since I'm still new to paphiopedilum parenthood, I have a few questions about this:

1) Do paphiopedilum flower spikes grow from dedicated, specific sheaths? Are these different from leaves?

2) Is it normal for these flower spike sheaths to turn brown and drop off once the plant is finished flowering? Or is this a problem? Do I need to worry?

3) My plant is in bark and I water every 5-6 days. Should I do anything differently in terms of care now that her bloom is done?

I'm attaching some pictures showing the brown sheath.

Thank you so much for all of your help! Have a great day!

[Ray]

Yes, paphs have abbreviated sheaths. Feel free to trim it when the blossom drops.

The senescence you see is perfectly normal.

Do nothing different with the plant. What you're doing seems to be working well!

[Jeff214]

Thanks Ray - this is helpful info for my first Paph as well. Good luck with yours, OrchidMom424!

[OrchidMom424]

Thank you so much, Ray! I really appreciate the information and your help! And I am glad it helps you too, Jeff 214! :-)